Nonprofit focuses on mission rather than controversy

Following years of lawsuits, funding losses and mass resignations, new leadership at Hope Villages of America (HVA) remains committed to providing food and affordable housing while helping foster children and human trafficking victims.

The Clearwater-based nonprofit’s longtime CEO, Kirk Ray Smith, resigned in December 2022 after all six members of a volunteer committee stepped down due to alleged mistreatment. HVA’s board held an emergency meeting Nov. 28 and later stated that Smith left to pursue “future endeavors.”

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Weekend arts forecast: Get on your feet in Clearwater

Come on baby, shake your body, do the conga! I know you can’t control yourself any long-ah!

So went the hook to the first hit by Miami Sound Machine, a large, horn-driven Latin salsa band put together by Cuban-American musician/composer Emilio Estefan and his singer wife, Gloria.

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